THE BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY (BLP) is alive and kicking, says leader Mia Mottley.

And although it is going through a renewal period after its defeat at the January 15 polls, the 70-year-old party is a strong one that will "always be there whether in victory or in defeat".

The Opposition Leader made the point yesterday at a Press conference at party headquarters, Grantley Adams House, Roebuck Street, The City, to announce year-long celebrations for their 70th anniversary.

She said an election post-mortem was being conducted because "you can't know where you are going unless you know where you've come from".

"The Barbados Labour Party is strong, alive, and kicking. The fact that we've lost a Government does not mean that we either lost touch or we are weak as an institution. I don't believe that we are.

"I do believe, however, as I said, that you take this time for further strengthening, for reflection and indeed to make ourselves as a political institution even more relevant to the times in which we live, while remaining anchored to our principles and philosophy. That really is the challenge," Mottley said.

Anniversary celebrations kick off on Sunday with a Founders' Day Service at St Mary's Anglican Church at 11 a.m.

Later that day the Women's League, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, will host a luncheon. There will also be a bus excursion to East Coast Road, St Andrew, on National Heroes Day, April 28. (DS)